TV Host's Return Reopens Wounds of Teacher's Imprisonment

The return of popular TV host Beyazıt Öztürk to Turkish television has sparked public debate. It has also revived memories of a past protest against him that led to a teacher's imprisonment. In 2013, primary school teacher Ayşe Çelik held a sign reading "So children don't die" on Öztürk's live show. She was protesting a mining disaster. Çelik was later arrested for this act. She was sentenced to prison and entered the facility with her infant child. Her case drew international attention and criticism from human rights groups. Öztürk's new show, which began this week, has led many on social media and in news outlets to recall Çelik's story. Commentators are questioning the contrast between the host's career and the teacher's punishment.